Nungwi is a sun-drenched village fringed by gleaming white sand and turquoise water. It’s perched on the northern tip of Zanzibar and is dotted with five-star beach resorts. Bask on the sand and top up your tan on Nungwi Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand lined with lush palm trees. The sunsets are spectacular and light up the Indian Ocean in red, orange and gold.

Traditional “dhow” wooden fishing boats bring in the day’s catch and can be seen dotting the shoreline. Just off the beach, you can explore coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. Dive trips take you to offshore islands like Mnemba and Tumbatu, where you can explore some of the best scuba sites in Africa.

Learn more about local sea life at the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond. The sanctuary is set on the banks of a tidal lagoon and protects green and hawksbill turtles. Local fishermen bring turtles caught in their nets to the sanctuary for rehabilitation.

Getting there

Nungwi is located at the northern end of Zanzibar Island, a one-hour drive from Stone Town and Zanzibar City. The village is compact and easy to get around on foot. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.